U.S. teen pregnancy and birth rates have declined dramatically over the past two decades and are now at historic lows. Even so, U.S. rates of teen childbearing remain far higher than in other comparable countries.

The National Campaign Applauds The U.S. Defense Health Agency's Adoption Of Standards For Contraceptive Care

Jan 11 2017

(Washington, DC)—The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy (The National Campaign) commends the U.S. Defense Health Agency for issuing a memo last month that announced the adoption of the CDC’s Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use (SPR) as their comprehensive standards for contraceptive services in the U.S. military health system.

“These recommendations will help to ensure that all military women who serve our country have access to high quality contraceptive care, including comprehensive counseling, so that they are able to choose the best method for them,” said Ginny Ehrlich, CEO of The National Campaign. “When women have the power to decide if and when to get pregnant, they are more likely to have healthy babies and more stable families, as well as greater educational and economic opportunities.”

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2016 included a provision—supported by The National Campaign—requiring that U.S. Department of Defense health care providers offer counseling on the full range of contraceptive methods at annual visits, pre-deployment visits (including deployment-specific considerations when choosing a method), and visits during deployment. The provision also requires the establishment of clinical practice guidelines, which the Defense Health Agency does by adopting the SPR.

“The adoption of the SPR as the clinical standard for military contraceptive care recognizes the need for high quality provider counseling and gives military women the information they need to select the most appropriate contraceptive method for them,” Ehrlich continued. “For all women, including those serving in the military, this will help to reduce incidences of unplanned pregnancy. When women in the military have the power to decide when and if to get pregnant, our military is not just stronger, but so is our nation.”

About The National Campaign: The National Campaign is a private, non-partisan, non-profit organization that seeks to improve the lives and future prospects of children and families by preventing teen and unplanned pregnancy. Please visit www.TheNationalCampaign.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.